Bed bugs are deceptive insects that do not give up their secret hiding places too easily. In fact, victims more often than not are forced to drive bed bugs out of hiding because they refuse to come out willingly. If you spotted one, two, or three live bed bugs in your home, it is highly likely you are dealing with an infestation.
It is important to note, it only takes one adult female bed bug to cause an infestation. This is especially true if the female bed bug is pregnant at the time of the home infiltration. Our pest control experts are willing to assist in your time of need. Just contact our local Cleveland location to learn more about our services and prices.
What Is One Live Bed Bug Concerning To Cleveland Property Owners?
It cannot be stressed enough, one living bed bug is enough to warrant concern among all Cleveland property owners, tenants, and businesses. We believe it only takes one to jumpstart a full-blown infestation.
One adult female bed bug can generate up to 500 eggs (up to 5 daily) within her lifetime. So, imagine what two, three, four, or a dozen of female bed bugs could do to your home. Bed bug infestations are not only messy, they are frightening to most victims. Just ask someone you know who had experience with bed bugs. They will all agree, bed bug infestations are complex and difficult to eradicate. Why is this the case?
Bed bugs are what scientists refer to as “hematophagous” pests. The species that belong to this insect classification tend to live in rooms where their hosts sleep. They need quick access to their main food supplier, an unaware, sleeping human.
Since bed bugs live in colonies, they split off sometimes in search of a new human food source. When this happens, the bed bugs living in the home are part of a larger colony nearby. If not, the bed bugs will then create a new colony right inside your home.
Why Is Bed Bug Detection So Difficult?
The main reason is their size. The adult bed bug grows up to seven millimeters in length. Its body is flat when the stomach is empty. After each blood meal, the bed bug’s stomach will become engorged with blood, giving it a bloated appearance.
Another reason why detection is complicated is the bed bug’s nocturnal behavior. The insect tends to reverse its host’s schedule, feeding at night when the host is asleep, hiding during the day when the host is awake.
The first obvious sign that a bed bug is present is a pinpoint-sized bite on exposed areas of the host’s body. Exposed areas are generally arms, upper back, upper chest, neck, face, and possibly legs.
How To Identify A Bed Bug Without The Help Of A Licensed Pest Control Expert?
The best way to identify a bed bug is through research. The data collected through your research will help you identify the insect responsible for infiltrating your home. You can also compare an image of a bed bug with the insect sharing your home.
The bed bug has a flat body before a blood meal, three sets of legs, two antennas, and a shape that replicates an apple seed. Most bed bugs are reddish/brown while the larvae and eggs are translucent.
What Visible And Non-Visible Signs Point To A Bed Bug Infestation?
The most commonly reported signs of a bed bug infestation include the following:
- Dried Blood Stains – Pinpoint-sized dark spots on bed linen are most likely dried bloodstains. The drops of blood are leftover from a bed bug feeding
- Crusty Exoskeletons – Bed bugs shed their skin when molting. The dead skin is referred to as an exoskeleton
- Translucent Eggs – Bed bug eggs are pinpoint-sized and translucent or white in color. The female drops her eggs in areas where she has fed or hiding
- Fecal Material – Tiny black droppings are bed bug feces. They can be found on bed linen, mattresses, pillows, and box springs
- Red Pinpoint-Sized Bites – Bed bugs penetrate the human’s skin with their feeding tube before feeding. The bed bug generates a numbing secretion that is applied before feedings
- Sweet, Musty Odor – A colony of bed bugs can generate a strange smell that witnesses describe as sweet and musty
How To Conduct A Bed Bug Inspection In Your Home?
We suggest initiating your search for bed bugs in your bedroom. Utilize a flashlight and a magnifying glass if necessary because bed bugs are difficult to detect. Look for the aforementioned signs and live bed bugs if at all possible.
It is always a good idea to perform a bed bug search at night since this is when the insect is most active. Inspect your mattress, box spring, bed linen, pillow, carpet, bed frame, baseboard, floorboard, upholstered furniture, stuffed animals, and hanging décor.
Bed bugs will also hide behind loose wallpaper, paneling, and electrical receptacles.
When To Call In The Bed Bug Experts?
You can reach out to our Cleveland-based extermination at any time. We offer free bed bug inspections to all city residents. We will also combine the visual inspection with a consultation if you are interested in utilizing our bed bug control services. We work with other exterminators and specialists in Cleveland to ensure our professional pest control is up-to-date.
We will conduct the bed bug inspection, so you can focus on more important matters. Be sure to inquire about our free bed bug service quotes. Give up at least 24 hours to process your bed bug inspection request.
FAQs
How Should I Handle A Bed Bug Sighting With One Insect?
We recommend reaching out to our Cleveland exterminators. They will take over from her, performing a wall-to-wall inspection of your home.
What Does An Exterminator Consider A Bed Bug Infestation?
When the signs are obvious, we consider it a bed bug infestation. Multiple piles of bed bug eggs, fecal material, larvae, and exoskeletons are a sure sign of a full-blown infestation
Contact Us – Bed Bug Exterminator Cleveland
At Bed Bug Exterminator Cleveland, we understand how stressful and overwhelming a bed bug problem can be. Whether you’ve just noticed the first signs of bed bugs or you’re dealing with a full-blown infestation, our team is here to help you reclaim your space with safe, effective, and discreet bed bug extermination services.
We proudly serve homeowners, renters, landlords, hotels, and businesses throughout Cleveland and the surrounding areas. Our team is trained in the latest treatment techniques, using eco-friendly solutions whenever possible, and we always take the time to educate our clients on prevention, follow-up care, and what to expect throughout the process.